Margarida launched the Lisbon studio with Stuart Rough in 1996, followed by the São Paulo studio in 2010. She splits her time between Portugal and Brazil to lead teams across both regions.

Throughout her time at the practice, Margarida has designed high-profile leisure, hospitality and workplace schemes in Iberia, Africa and Latin America. She brings deep expertise and a genuine passion for the hospitality sector, having led the refurbishment of the prestigious Tivoli Avenida Liberdade in the heart of Lisbon and Tivoli Beira Hotel in Mozambique. She also led the practice’s award-winning refurbishment of Rossio station in Lisbon. 

In 2024, Margarida was appointed Chair of The Urban Land Institute (ULI) Portugal, the first woman to hold this position. She is a regular speaker at conferences on topics including resorts, sustainability and regeneration.